02 Apr Foundation concludes community celebrations and grant presentation
The McPherson County Community Foundation spent the past several weeks celebrating its 25th anniversary and investing back into the communities that make McPherson County special.
To mark the milestone, the foundation opened a special round of “Dream Grants” from Jan. 15 through Feb. 15 and hosted a series of public celebrations in communities across McPherson County. At each stop, residents gathered for snacks from local caterers, heard about the foundation’s impact, and watched as local organizations were awarded with grant funding.
The 25th anniversary Dream Grants were designed to fund projects that create visible, meaningful and immediate impact at the local level. Unlike the foundation’s typical grant cycles, this opportunity was open not only to nonprofits but also to community groups and individual residents.
Projects were required to partner with a local organization to manage funds and had to be capable of being completed within the calendar year. Priority was given to ideas that bring people together, including public equipment, events, and beautification projects. Each community was eligible for up to $2,500 in funding.
Foundation leaders encouraged new applicants to participate.
“We were especially interested in ideas from those who may not be regular applicants for our funds,” said Director of Community Services Betsy Davis.
Grant recipients were revealed during a countywide celebration tour that ran from late February through March.
Windom
Windom kicks off the celebration tour
The first celebration took place in Windom, where residents gathered to share a meal and reflect on the foundation’s work.
The community’s $2,500 Dream Grant will fund upgraded coffee equipment for the Windom Senior Center. As one of the town’s primary gathering places, the center will now offer a more welcoming and convenient space for residents to meet, visit, and enjoy their morning coffee.
Marquette
Marquette and Inman receive support for community needs and events
Celebrations continued in Marquette and Inman, where multiple projects received funding.
Marquette projects
- The Marquette library will install a permanent outdoor lending box, giving residents 24-hour access to books and helping offset limited library hours.
- Helping Hands Marquette KS will establish storage, shelving, and starter supplies after the town’s grocery store closure increased food insecurity. The new resource will offer first aid supplies, water, coats, and nonperishable food items.
Inman projects
- Inman Recreation will host a movie night in the park, creating a family-friendly event designed to bring residents together.
- Funding will also support the annual youth fishing derby at Inman Park, including stocking the pond with channel catfish ahead of the event.
Lindsborg mural project adds public art
Lindsborg
In Lindsborg, the Dream Grant was awarded to the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Pavilion to complete a new sunflower mural on the Old Mill site.
The mural, designed by Mindy’s Murals, will be placed on a building that visitors often see first when arriving at the complex. Volunteers will prepare the building before installation, including wood repairs and a new base coat. The project aims to beautify a space frequently used for community events throughout the year.
Canton, Galva and McPherson focus on gathering spaces and food access
Another week of celebrations brought the foundation to Canton, Galva, and McPherson.
Canton
Canton and Galva
Both communities received funding to replace their blessing boxes. The original volunteer-built boxes have required frequent repairs due to weather damage. The new boxes will be more durable and include funding to help stock them with food and essential items.
McPherson
McPherson Main Street received funding to purchase equipment for outdoor movie nights on the downtown plaza, creating a new activity designed to draw residents and families downtown.
Moundridge
Moundridge closes the anniversary tour
The final celebration took place March 31 in Moundridge, where three projects were funded:
- The Moundridge Lions Club will purchase a grill to use at community events.
- The Moundridge Chamber of Commerce will enhance the annual Black Kettle Festival.
- A middle school student’s idea for a community skate night will become a reality, bringing residents together through a fun and active event.
Throughout the tour, foundation staff connected with residents, shared stories of local impact, and highlighted how community-driven ideas continue to shape McPherson County.
“We are proud to celebrate 25 years of service to McPherson County by bringing each community together,” said CEO Michelle Huddle. “We hope these celebrations gave communities a chance to reflect on and celebrate the investments made toward their shared dreams.”
The Dream Grants served as both a celebration of past impact and a reminder that new ideas continue to drive the foundation’s work. The Foundation will continue to follow and share more on these grants as each project is completed.